Travel

Budget Friendly Beach Resort in Cavite

Posted on by shellan

It’s rare to find budget friendly beach resorts with promising environment and ambiance. Good thing we found one just around the corner.

With these instagrammable photos, who would have thought that we only spent P320? Not to mention that we got to enjoy swimming without too much crowd. Perfect serenity, indeed. Here’s the video documation of our trip there https://youtu.be/1QsBXKTFmjU

Food is also available just around the corner.

You can also bring your own food and use the grilling area. Comfort rooms are available with minimal fee that ranges from P5 – P20, depending on how much water you are going to use. Karaoke or KTV is also available for rent. So, if you’re looking for a budget friendly family get-away, this is one of the best choices, presumably you are from NCR or Cavite.

Just search Coastline Beach Resort on google to know how to get there via private vehicle but if you are going to commute, here’s how to get there:

– From PITX, ride a bus going to Naic;

– Tell the conductor to drop you on Sto. Niño Beac Resort or Coastline Beach Resort;

– Ride a tricycle to Coastline Beach Resort. 

You might spend, around two hundred for the fare going to and back to PITX. 

 

Anyway, here’s the budget breakdown of our trip there:

Cottage – 300 / good for 2 pax

Parking Fee – 20

There is no entrance fee. 

 

Please be a responsible tourist when you get here. Leave no garbage and avoid littering. Enjoy God’s amazing creations and savor the moment!

What to Expect at Paraiso De June Quixote Ecofarm Resort

Posted on by shellan

Paraiso De June Quixote Ecofarm Resort is one of the newly ecofarm resorts in Maragondon, Cavite. They offer so may outdoor activities that would most probably be enjoyed by the adrenaline junkie. But as early as now, before you even see the budget breakdown, I must say that the fees for these activities are not cheap. But is it worth it? Find out below or you may click on this link for a virtual tour: Paraiso de June Quixote Ecofarm Resort in Maragondon, Cavite

We only happened to experience two adrenaline activities because: (1) we went there on a weekend and the place is once again crowded just like our previous tour at torres farm;  (2) we didn’t brought enough cash because we didn’t expect that the activities would be that expensive.

But did we enjoy it? Yes we did. But personally speaking, they are too pricey compared to other tours we have experienced. This getaway is far from Dito Kay Shellan’s travel mission, which is to give tips on how to travel budgetarian (on a little budget or budget-friendly).

The ATV ride is enjoyable but it will cost you P750 per head and P500 for a backride for just a simple man made trail. We experienced ATV at Mt. Mayon and it only amounted us P850 for two including tip for the guide. 

The sky walk, not really much of an adrenaline adventure will cost you P120, where it actually serves as an entrance fee to access the other part of the resort.

The hanging bicycle is fun and can be enjoyed for P200 each for a back and fort experience.

We didn’t get to take lots of photos because the place is so crowded and you would not enjoy a picture with a lot of photobombers. But, here are some decent photos we have taken at the place:

The good things about Paraiso de June Quixote Ecofarm Resort are (1) they offer delicious and affordable meal, (2) the service is very accommodating and all their employees are courteous, helpful, and approachable, (3) they have live bands at the al fresco dining which you can jam with if you like, (4) No parking fee, and (5) most amenities are pretty much free for children like the go karts and the activities at the park.

To sum it up, here’s the budget breakdown you should prepare if you opt to go here disregarding our warning that this is not a budgetarian getaway:

Sky walk: P120 / per head

Hanging bicycle: P200 / per head

ATV ride: P750 / per head

ATV back ride: P500 / per head

Food: we had full stomachs with less than P1000 including drinks, for three. Which is why it is also perfect for a family getaway. Plus, they serve free water.

Other activities:

Rappelling

Swimming

Zipline (soon to operate)

Crystal Kayaking

See this photos for more:

How to get there:

Just pin Paraiso de June Quixote Ecofarm Resort on Google Map or Waize. Once you are around 10 mins. Away, be vigilant to look for the small signage of the place but you will know you have arrived at the entrance when you see a decorated vehicle pathways that leads to the parking space.

I suggest that if you are going as a group, book grab, it will be much cheaper if you divide the fee, because the place is not really accessible by public transportation.

Enjoy and God bless.

Around the World in 2 Hours via Motorcycle Ride

Posted on by shellan

What would be the best way to kick start off this new year than by spending it on nice a road trip with the love of your life not to mention that you’d be able see the most iconic places around the world.

You read it right. We have traveled around the world within 2 hours via motorcycle ride. But before you labeled us ‘click-bait’ here’s the narrative on how that activity became possible.

First, let me drop the photos to give you ideas of what I’m about to share with you:


Yes, dear readers, these photos were taken in a single place that offered around the world travel experience in the mini world they created where some iconic places were imitated. Welcome to TORRES FARM.

Torres Farm, or also known as Torres Farm Hotel and Resort, is located in Naic, Cavite. Around 3 hours away from Manila. Primarily, this is a resort, where you can enjoy swimming activity, but due to the increasing popularity of the instagrammable imitation of iconic places around the world, people started going there just for photo ops.

There are other activities you can enjoy, like picnic and many more, watch this link: Torres Farm, to know other activities you can enjoy at the so called happiest place in Cavite.

Here are additional instagrammable spots we found:

Meanwhile, here’s the budget breakdown in case you are planning to spend a day tour there:

230 – Entrance Fee for adult

160 – Entrance Fee for kids

20 – Motorcycle Parking fee

30 – Additional for swimming and you wish to have someone to take photos of you

Another cool thing about the place is that it really tried hard to simulate a travel get-away by having its own airport and immigration building. These can be seen on the link I provided above but here are some photos of the airport:

Do not go there on a weekend or holiday if you hate crowded place. We were actually surprised by the multitude of people but what do you expect when it’s January first, ayt? Perhaps the very reason why we only stayed for 2 hours after completing photo ops in each iconic place.

Have a safe travel. Follow this site for future travel tips and updates. I believe my I and my husband will spend more time travelling because we started the year by doing so. Hope you are too. See you around.

Pico De Loro is now Accepting Tourists; Find out the New Things you Need to know Before Climbing

Posted on by shellan

Finally! A climb after more than 3 years has happened. We have been planning to climb a long time even during pandemic, but due to various circumstances, we always end up rescheduling our hike. But not this year, the wait is way too long already. Hence, we booked a climb to Pico De Loro.

If you are planning to hike Pico De Loro too, here’s their website where you can schedule: https://mppmngnp.com/

There are many changes on the site, one of those is the entrance fee, that now costs P200 each. I remember around 2015, it was only P30 and tour guide was not required, not unlike now, it is mandatory. Well, perhaps now, all of the mountains open for hiking require tour guides.

It was my third time on Pico de Loro, but it kind of felt like the experience is something new. There are new spots and new trail at the site. Here are the photos:

Aside from that there are more restrictions than before. Overnight camping is still not permitted, as well as traversing. Monolith is now close and will never open again due to the evaluation made by the DENR; cracks were found which made it unsafe for climbing.

But although they offer less activity now, I admire the management’s determination to protect and put first the nature than the adventurers’ demand. It was also a best decision that they closed Pico de Loro for several years to regenerate and heal itself from the constant human footprints it gotten over the years. Now you will see on our video (video documentation of our adventure) that the forest has been regenerated, indeed.

Before the climb, you will be watching an 8-minute avp about Pico de Loro, here you will know that you are actually going to climb two mountains: Mt. Palay-Palay and Mataas na Gulod. Both declared as DENR’s protected areas. But since people know the site as Pico de Loro, let’s call it that way.

At the summit, you now have stairs to help you reach it. Unlike before, you will only rely on the bushes to help you with the grip ascending and descending.

I will leave behind some information regarding the modified Pico de Loro for you to get insights on your own and first hand ask the employees or the tour guide assigned to you. But just in case, you are so eager to know now, okay, then ask away below the comment section.

Meanwhile, here are the beautiful photos at the top:

I know you are looking for the budget breakdown:
Entrance/Eco Fee – 200!pax
Parking fee – 30
Tour Guide Fee – 500/maximum of 5 pax

If you are planning to commute, well, be thankful, because it is easier now. Just hop on a bus going to Nasugbo, Batangas via Kaybiang tunnel. The earliest leaves around 5AM at PITXT.

Enjoy and be a responsible hiker! God bless.

Utod River and Falls in Magallanes, Cavite Perfect for a Solitude Get-Away

Posted on by shellan

​One of the things I like about traveling is that it surprises you with more. I never thought that there are still plenty of places here in Cavite that are not known to the majority, which is I think is good. I am actually against nature exploitation, and sometimes I wonder if posting information about a certain place in exchange will only harm the place. Because, most of the time, tourism sucks. Not all tourist is a responsible tourist. And sometimes, this will attract greedy businessmen that take advantage of the place and the locals. So I sometimes battle with myself if I really should make a blog about unknown nature get-aways.

But if you read the about section of this website, it is mentioned that this serves as my online travel journal which contains my personal insights. Besides, nature should be enjoyed by the people. I just plead, really-really plead, that my readers will be responsible tourists and/or humane businessmen.

Anyway, if you are looking for a solitude place this summer and ypu are on a budget, Utod River and Falls is one of the perfect places for you.

You can find it here (zoom in for the address):

To be able to get there, you will need to ride a private vehicle because public transportation is very seldom going there but yes, it’s available.

Upon reaching this signage. You will be trekking for around 10 minutes, depending on your pacing. (By the way, parking area is available at side street).

The trail is easy and some of it is concrete staircase with hand rails so it is okay for our parents and titos and titas to experience. This will only get hard back to the parking lot because then, the trail will be mostly ascending.

There is a small community at the riverfront. They are the ones you need to speak or contact for the cottages but it is not required although maybe you’ll need it if it’s a group outing. There is no entrance fee and parking fee. Public CR are available. Overnight is also allowed.

Here are the photos at Utod Falls. We went there on weekend and the place is not that crowded, The very reason why I mentioned it’s perfect for a solitude moment.

To further visualize the place, because not all spots were photographed, here is the link : Utod River and Falls in Magallanes, Cavite

By the way, you will come across these pathways, choose the right side, that’s the one leading to the falls:

God bless on your trip and please be a responsible tourist. Do not disrespect the nature.

by the way here’s a contact number just in case you need a reservation for the cottage: 09350595639 Ruel Rivera

buhay forest top

Buhay Forest: Underrated Nature Get-away (and some update on Pico De Loro, Pantihan Falls, and Mt. Buntis)

Posted on by shellan

Before we head on the details about Buhay Forest let us talk about first Pico De Loro. Yes, dearest bundokeros and bundokeras! Pico De Loro is now open. The bad news is, you are reading this along the way, all prepped and ready going to Pico De Loro. Because here you will know, as you keep on reading, that they are only accepting advance booking and walk-ins are strictly prohibited. But since you have already planned this day for an unwinding get-away, allow me to introduce you to Magallane’s Buhay Forest. Don’t worry it is only 30 minutes away from Pico De Loro.

Buhay Forest is located at Magallanes, Cavite and can found on google map. If you are following our blog, you knew that we already went there but it was close. They are close every Monday and Tuesday. Actually, prior going here, we tried Mt. Buntis, but it was close so we headed on to Buhay Forest for our last resort. You can see our trip here for a motion documentation of what I’m talking about: Buhay Forest in Magallanes (and update on Pico de Loro + other tour in Cavite), rest assured, contacts and the link for Pico De Loro’s booking are also posted below.

So, what should you expect at Buhay Forest?

First, there is a trek that almost all ages can partake and reach the top. Actually, it has Stations of the Cross, to which elders are mostly the ones participating. So I believe, even seniors can do this trek.

We trekked unto the top for around 10 minutes, I guess, with casual rest once we need and also to savor the beauty of the scenery as we head on to the top.

Actually, the place isn’t that crowded, which is very okay, but that made me realize that this is an underrated nature get-away. Maybe because the trail is so easy for the hikers or because there is not much post online about Buhay Forest. But really, if you are looking for a place to relax and enjoy the nature, this is a perfect place for you. Especially, if you are on a budget.

The views at the top will show you a set of mountain range from the nearest places: Mt. Marami (Wet and Mildly Wild Adventure at Mt. Marami), and Pico De Loro (Pico de Loro (Mt. Palay-Palay, Pico De Loro, Second Time Around).

You can istambay and enjoy the nature, take a pose to whichever spot you like, eat your own baon, enjoy seesaw and swing, with no time limit or until they close for the day, for only P30. They open at 6AM and closes at 5PM. They do not accept overnight camping.

There is no parking fee, or perhaps it is already included on the amount you paid for ecological fee/entrance fee.

Here are the additional photos, which were taken at the bottom part of the forest:

Meanwhile, here are some photos we took at Pantihan Falls, also in Magallanes, and which is also already closed for tourist but some part is still open for public viewing:

Please be good to the nature and leave no garbage. Enjoy!

Here are the details for Pico De Loro and Mt. Buntis:

Island Tour at Patungan Beach in Maragondon, Cavite

Posted on by shellan

We’ve been planning to hike a mountain before the year ends. But because we also want to spend quality time with our furr babies, we decided to spend the holiday on a beach instead. Thus, we booked at Patungan Beach in Maragondon, primarily because they offer island hopping too.

But let me clarify this early that we have not experienced island hopping due to heavy waves. That’s what your get when you scheduled a beach adventure during Ber months. Instead, it was replaced with an island tour (watch our adventure here: Maragondon Island Tour), which happened to be the wildest ride we had on an ocean so far. Well, as what I’ve said, that’s what you get when you scheduled a beach adventure during ber months.

The main highlight of our stay here at Patungan Beach is the Island tour and the swimming on the fish sanctuary. The island tour takes more than 2 hour-boat ride (back and forth). We stay at fish sanctuary less than an hour and head back to Patungan Beach. It costs us 2,500 but it’s so worth it, especially when the boat driver masters the art of riding big waves. We were terrified by the waves and thought that the boat would flip. And thank God it didn’t. I think we also passed by the island which we stayed during a trip where we own an island for a day, it was our trip to Carabao Island, but I couldn’t distinguish the island anymore.

 

The stay at the beach cottage is also a first hand nature experience. If being close to the nature is what you are looking for, then Patungan Cottages is right for you. Toilets are available too. We spend a night at the cottage and went home before lunchtime the next day. To proper guide you with the itinerary, here’s ours:

Itinerary:
5AM – departure
6:30AM – Arrived at Patungan Beach
7:00AM – settled at the cottage
8:00AM – finished Breakfast
9:00AM – cooking lunch
10:00AM – Lunch time
10:45AM – board the boat for island tour
10:45AM – 12NN – island tour
12NN – arrived at fish sactuary
12:50PM – board the boat back to the beach
12:50PM – 1:50PM – boat ride back to Patungan Beach
2:00PM – 5:00PM – Siesta
5:00PM – 5:30PM – Preparing Dinner
7:00PM – Dinner
8:00PM onward – free time until sleep time
6:00AM – Preparing breakfast
7:00AM – Breakfast
8:00AM – Pack Up
9:00AM – 10:00AM – Free time
10:30AM – Board tricycle back to pick up point back home

Things to bring:
Uling
Flash light
Mineral Water
Toiletries
Under water cam
Power bank
Garbage bag

Note: The community doesn’t have electricity yet, they only rely on solar panel that provides them energy so there will be times that all the can provide you is light at the cottage. However, some locals offer generator for rent if you badly need electricity.

Budget:
2,500 – island hopping / island tour
2,000 – overnight cottage with 1 room
50/pax – tricycle going to the beach

We recommend Sir Allan Agustine for island hopping / island tour boat ride. Simply look for him. I can also give you our contact for the cottage accommodations, they will provide things for you that you forgot to bring, (e.g kawali). If you are wondering if there are stores at the community, there are. But I suggest, that you bring your own things because we do not guarantee that all items you need are available at the stores.

Here are the instagrammable photos we took at the beach:

Enjoy your stay and escapade!

2022 Update on some of Cavite’s Nature Get-Away

Posted on by shellan

We’ve been longing for a climb for quite too long now, hence we suddenly decided to check mountains to climb on. We didn’t actually plan to check on them, it just so happen that one mountain was closed for climbing and the other too. Not only that, as if the heaven forbids us to wind up with the nature and also a park which happened to be our last resort as day-off destination was also closed that day.

If you are wondering which mountains and park I am talking about let me list them one by one together with their 2022 update.

1. The first one is Mt. Buntis, located in Maragondon, it should be an easy climb as of what I have read about it, but the only activity they offer is camping on the campsite, which is also open for an overnight stay, and RTV.

Budget wise: They offer a nipa hut cottage room for P1,500 including the entrance fee. Or you can opt to bring your own tent and just pay P150 per head and P350 each if overnight.

Activity: They offer RTV activity that ranges from P1000 to P3000 depending on the trail you will choose. According to the caretaker, since it is heavily raining, climbing Mt. Buntis is not allowed and we should wait for the weather to be sunny at least 3 days. So we told them, that we’ll be back when hiking is allowed because that is the activity we are looking for.

2. We then headed to Pico De Loro (Mt. Palay-palay) without knowing if it’s finally operating. It was close during Pandemic and still is not operating since then. But perhaps we need to see it for ourselves if it’s now open or not, we headed on. And since it is on this list, yes, Pico De Loro, which is also in Maragondon, is still close.

Update: According to the staff we have inquired, it will be operating soon this year we only need to wait for an update on their fb page. I’ve climbed it twice already but it’s no big deal to climb it for the third time. I’m sure they changed some trail.

3. Buhay Forest in Magallanes is the park I am talking about which also happened to be closed that day. Which is why I have no idea how much should be the budget because we haven’t spoken to anyone except to the other couple who mistakenly thought, like us, that it is open today.

Update: They are close every Monday and Tuesday to give way for their disinfection.

View: Anyway, since some part is open for the public even if they are closed, I got the chance to take photos with the view…

I’m sorry I forgot to get contact details to make it easier for you to inquire. But I’ve put all the important details here which could help you in your plan and itinerary, if you choose to go on one of these.

All in all, although we weren’t able to fully enjoy the nature, we were still satisfied by the road trips and we still spent quality time together so yes, the day off was still awesome.

Thank you and God bless on your trip!

Meanwhile, here are the photos we’ve taken along the way (and you may click this link https://youtu.be/NKTAMVY9hzo  for our video documentation):

A Sunflower Farm in Jala-jala, Rizal

Posted on by shellan

Good news to all sunflower lovers out there who are following our site, we’ve found a place that will surely bring happiness to your sunflower-filled hearts.

If you’re from Rizal, I’m sure you have heard about the place already, if not, be ready for a long trip because Jala-jala is located somewhere deep inside Rizal. Perhaps the very reason why it is not included in most Rizal Tour offer.

And without further adieu, I present to you…

Sunflora Farm and Restaurant

To be honest, there’s really nothing yet to expect here but flower fields, though they started operating since 2017. Here’s our mini interview with the staff there: What to Expect at Sunflora Farm and Restaurant

That’s why this is only good news for all sunflower lovers because they are the ones who will truly appreciate the beauty of this place. Also, they sell almost all kinds of sunflower stuff, from seeds to earrings, name it.

The place will be more attractive if the owner will try to utilize its vacant space for camping or other outdoor activities that suit the filed. Anyway, that’s just a suggestion from us who are not sunflower lovers but loves traveling. And don’t get us wrong, sunflowers are pretty, alright? All flower is. So yeah, still suggesting you would come and visit the place. It would also help them increase their revenue. ☺

Anyway, the entrance fee is P40/person. Other details are on our travel vlogs.

Have a safe trip! God bless!

Tagaytay Picnic Grove is Now Open for Tourist of All Ages

Posted on by shellan

The world is slowly going back to normal after the widespread of Corona Virus Disease 2019 or CoVid 19 as we know it. Now, I don’t think it will ever be the same normal as it was before and I believe we would adapt more of the new system brought to us by the new normal but one thing is for sure, tourism is one that would definitely be back to normal — the very reason why we have this blog now.

We went to Tagaytay Picnic Grove days ago to check how tourism is going there because we heard that it is now operating. The good thing is, although many people crave to go out after being restricted, the place wasn’t that crowded. Or maybe because we went there on a weekday; we cannot tell the magnitude of people at the place on weekends.

To visualize what I’m talking about, visit this link: https://youtu.be/m9DVukjNRk8

We weren’t ask for a vaccination card but yeah, face mask is a must. Well that’s quite impressive because most of the establishments requires fully vaccination card in order to get their full service and that’s a blatant discrimination, which, should be a big NO.

I don’t know how much the entrance was before the pandemic but now it cost P50 / head. Additional fee applies depending on your type of vehicle.

And still, the cinematic view of the whole Taal Lake and the volcano within is such an eye candy. The one that would make you praise God for such aesthetic creation — and my camera failed to capture what my eyes are exactly seeing. I think, you just have to go there to experience what I’m talking about.

Here’s some of our intagrammable shots we had at the place. Truly an amazing place.

 

Thank you God for your wonderful creation.